Elon Musk’s X fined $140 million by EU
The European Union has fined Elon Musk’s social media platform X $140 million (about 120 million euros). Regulators say the company broke important transparency rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a law designed to make big tech companies more responsible for what happens on their platforms.
What the EU Found
The European Commission explained that X failed to meet several key obligations:
• Blue checkmark confusion: X allowed anyone to buy a verification badge. This made it hard for users to know which accounts were truly authentic.
• Advertising transparency: The platform did not keep a clear record of ads, including political and commercial campaigns, which is required by law.
• Researcher access: X blocked independent researchers from accessing public data. The EU says this data is needed to study risks like misinformation and harmful content.
Why This Fine Matters
This is the first major penalty under the Digital Services Act, which came into effect in 2022. The law applies to large online platforms with millions of users. It requires them to:
• Be open about how they moderate content.
• Share data with researchers studying online risks.
• Clearly label advertising and sponsored posts.
By fining X, the EU is sending a strong message that it will enforce these rules strictly. Officials said the fine shows Europe is serious about protecting users and making online spaces safer.
Elon Musk’s Reaction
Elon Musk criticized the EU’s decision. He argued that the rules limit free speech and claimed that individual countries should decide their own online policies instead of following EU-wide regulations. Musk has often clashed with regulators in both Europe and the United States over how his companies operate.
Wider Impact on Tech Companies
This case could affect other major platforms:
• TikTok and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) have also faced investigations but avoided fines by making changes.
• Smaller platforms may now feel pressure to follow the rules more carefully.
• The fine could spark new debates about how governments worldwide regulate social media.
What Happens Next
X must pay the fine, but the company can appeal the decision in court. If it refuses to comply with EU rules, regulators could impose even tougher penalties, including restrictions on operating in Europe.